Strong market intervention planned to keep Onam prices in check, says Minister
Special squads formed by the Wayanad district administration to check price hikes, hoarding, and black marketing of essential commodities detect irregularities at 12 shops
The State government is implementing extensive market interventions this Onam season to maintain affordable prices for essential commodities, according to Agriculture Minister T. Siddique. He made these remarks after inaugurating the Supplyco district Onam fair at the New Bus Stand in Kalpetta on August 14. Siddique stated that the government would take all necessary measures to prevent black marketing, hoarding, and price increases during the Onam season.
The Agriculture department will establish 2,000 vegetable markets throughout the State via Horticorp and the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) to ensure the availability of quality vegetables at reasonable prices. A budget of ₹20 crore has been allocated for this initiative, with the disbursement process already commenced.
Additionally, efforts have been made to resolve paddy procurement arrears to farmers up to the end of June, with ₹150 crore allocated for this purpose. Siddique emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare of people across all sections of society during the Onam season. In Wayanad district, special squads were deployed by the local administration to monitor prices, hoarding, and black marketing of essential commodities ahead of the festival.
These squads, consisting of officials from various departments, conducted over 120 inspections across multiple locations. Irregularities were detected at 12 shops, and legal action has been initiated against establishments that failed to display visible price lists.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
